Here we go again. Perpetuating the myth about Santa Claus burdened my conscience quite a bit, but there is something less tainted, more sincere about Easter. I'm having a hard time allowing it to be taken over by another present and candy giving mythical character.
The questions have already started. "Does the Easter Bunny live with Santa?" "Does the Easter Bunny know Jesus?" #1's favorite animal is a pegasus. I have a difficult job separating the things I definitely want her to believe in (Jesus), the things I don't mind her believing in (Santa) and the things I certainly want her to know aren't real (pegasus).
The explanation I came up with was hasty and pretty weak. I need help! What do you guys do to keep Easter special? How do you explain the Easter Bunny and relate it to the real meaning of Easter?
6 comments:
I guess I'm a horrible person, because I really don't feel bad about lying to my kids about things such as the Easter Bunny. The only thing we do do to make Easter more about Jesus is to do Easter baskets, egg hunts, etc on the Saturday before Easter and make Easter Sunday all about Him.
A pegasus????? That's HILARIOUS! I love that cute little #1!
You are so funny! As a history/geography teacher I would tell you that these "folk stories" and "traditions" are just as important to our history and identifying ourselves as a culture as anything else.
Don't worry. Soon your kids will figure it all out on their own. Until then, enjoy it, live it up and savor the fact the idea of a super giant bunny leaving candy filled eggs gives them such a thrill. :)
As for part two of your question (I am just full information today) - I'm with Katie. Saturday is the day for fun and games but Sunday we focus on the real meaning.
I think we will do the Sat / Sun split. As for lying, just tell them it is folklore - based on stories and traditions and leave it to them to decide which stories they think are true. Most of the easter stuff is pagan anyway, so it doesn't really even have Christain symbolism, just fun. Hunt away.
Can't help you on that one, since I still believe in the Easter Bunny and Emmie isn't old enough to ask if Mr. Bunny and Jesus know eachother.
I don't know what to say either because Q started in on me the other day too, but I love reading your posts and how you fret about it!
Wow, I really liked Jami's comment. I think that is a very positive way to go. She is right too that our kids will figure it all out one day, so have some fun and just emphasize the real story behind Easter when it's appropriate (ie Sunday is perfect). Thanks for the post, I really enjoyed the feedback.
Post a Comment